Chief Building Engineer

Job Title Chief Building Engineer Location / Dept Harbor Light Reports To Executive Director People Manager Yes FLSA Category Exempt Pay Grade 410 Pay Rate $84,898 - $104,000 Who We Are At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to “Doing the Most Good”. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We do this through programs designed to combat homelessness and hunger, provide safe spaces for kids after school and on the weekends, achieve and maintain sobriety, and give hope to the hopeless.

The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division provides these services to people in need. Job Summary The Chief Building Engineer will give oversight and assistance to the day‑to‑day operations of the physical facilities, and property of the Freedom Center. This includes all building and utility infrastructure as well as direct supervision of all maintenance staff of the Freedom Center / Harbor Light Center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Serve as a member of the Freedom Center management team, supervising day‑to‑day physical operations of the Freedom Center. Maintain a consistently high level of efficiency in the physical operations of the Freedom Center. Inspect and provide daily maintenance or supervision for: All facilities including offices, meeting areas, food service areas, group rooms, gymnasiums, education areas, chapel, mechanical components, parking lots, and landscaped areas.

All electrical, security, communication, and ventilation systems. Building Automation System. Emergency generator system and fuel requirements.

Plumbing, electrical, windows, or structural repairs or special projects. Guide staff to complete necessary repairs and preventative maintenance. Develop, supervise, and execute a year‑round preventative maintenance plan.

Manage Building Automation System. Maintain, clean and oversee the maintenance shop and all janitorial storage areas in all buildings of the Freedom Center. Assist in repair and upkeep of facility mechanical systems; diagnose and repair building systems such as air handling, fire alarm, automation, fluid pumping, security access, refrigeration, and boilers.

Coordinate with Freedom Center / Harbor Light Property Assistant for capital projects, purchasing, and related functions. Work with outside contractors to manage and repair HVACR, boilers, and other equipment. Complete routing facility inspections required by Salvation Army, licensing, and accreditation standards.

Coordinate with external security vendor for services. Ensure routine maintenance of all vehicles and motor‑driven equipment is completed and documented. Maintain a list of approved vendors for maintenance and custodial functions.

Verify accurate facility inventories. Purchase equipment and supplies per Executive Director authorization and budgetary considerations. Maintain updated warranty files on buildings and equipment.

Maintain facility maintenance logs per policy. Maintain a structured work order system to monitor and document facility repairs. Coordinate delivery and removal of supplies or garbage.

Assist Executive Director in securing maintenance and vendor agreements. Work with IT staff to ensure correct operation of low‑voltage systems; coordinate with maintenance and support vendors. Follow and enforce Salvation Army Policies and Procedures when supervising maintenance, custodial, and security aspects.

Provide leadership to staff: supervise maintenance and custodial staff; establish daily operational routines; supervise and check all work; provide instruction on equipment use. Ensure maintenance, custodial, and security staff receive required training as mandated by The Salvation Army and Harbor Light CARF accreditation. Ensure staff receive appropriate safety training.

Maintain clear communication with staff, volunteers, and program participants. Provide training to staff on facility operations and mechanical systems. Meet regularly with Freedom Center Administrator to set priorities and recommendations for repairs, remodeling, and replacement of facilities and equipment.

Work cooperatively with other on‑site directors and managers; discuss facility problems. Attend all scheduled staff and management team meetings. Maintain a safe working environment for employees, guests, and clients; report facility problems; check for graffiti or vandalism; report incidents, including photographs.

Monitor established safety plans to safeguard facilities, supplies, and equipment. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Education Documented college or trade school education in HVACR and boiler maintenance/repair.

Industry trade certificates/licenses (OSHA, HVAC, etc.). City of Chicago Stationary Engineer License. Experience Minimum of 5 years experience managing and operating a facility exceeding 100,000 square feet.

Demonstrated experience supervising custodial and maintenance aspects of a multi‑faceted residential and educational facility. Knowledge and previous work with Building Automation Systems. Skills and Abilities Commitment to supporting the mission of The Salvation Army and appreciation of faith‑based service organization.

Interpersonal style that is service‑orientated and anticipates client department needs with diplomacy and etiquette. Ability to work autonomously while adhering to guidelines; displays good judgment and interpersonal skills. Positive role model for maintenance staff; leads staff to complete assigned duties.

Knowledge of facilities, equipment, and operations that can operate independently of outside sources. Extensive knowledge of large residential and community centers offering diverse programs. Understanding of how to relate to all clients serviced by the Freedom Center with sensitivity and respect.

Ability to supervise staff, volunteers, and participants of varying education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds. Knowledge of modern boiler and HVACR systems. Demonstrated ability to complete repairs and general maintenance on boiler and HVACR systems.

Knowledge of general housekeeping and maintenance methods. Valid driver’s license with good driving record. Hands‑on knowledge of working with diversity in the workplace.

Job Limitations Commit Army resources only as allocated or approved. Adhere to all policies and procedures; keep Executive Director informed of critical issues. Physical Demands / Work Environment Requires strenuous physical work; good physical and mental health.

Must be able to lift or move up to 100 lb. Regularly manage custodial and maintenance components of a large residential and educational facility. Work environment includes office and facility with low to high noise level.

Must be able to work with clients who have poor social skills, mental illness, or substance abuse problems. Competencies Maintain a positive work atmosphere by fostering relationships with co‑workers and supervisors. Resolve conflicts positively.

Show courtesy to staff, clients, and visitors. Respect property and people. Use professional communication with coworkers, supervisors, and subordinates.

Support the mission by treating all donors, contacts, and colleagues with respect and dignity without discrimination. Reporting Relationships Reports to the Executive Director. Direct responsibility for supervising the Building Maintenance Engineer and other maintenance staff; ensures proper outcomes.

Supervises the Housekeeping Coordinator and ensures proper outcomes. Acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission in related contacts. Performance Measures Evaluated on effectiveness of outcomes achieved, and timeliness, accuracy and completeness of assigned goals.

Position Limitations Commit Army resources only as allocated or approved. Adhere to policies and procedures. Keep Executive Director informed of critical issues. #J-18808-Ljbffr